Boiler not working? Please read this first

We have had lots of phone calls regarding boilers not working due to the condensate pipe from the boiler being frozen - this is the white pipe that comes out at the bottom of your boiler. 

In the vast majority of cases such problems occur where the condensate drainage pipe is located externally to the building for some part of its length.

Below is guidance on what to do if a boiler condensate drainage pipe has frozen. If you are at all unsure, then please contact us to report a repair.

1. Confirm that a frozen condensate drain pipe is the cause of shutdown.

It is important to confirm that a frozen condensate drainage pipe is the likely cause of the problem before taking any of the remedial actions suggested below. The condensate drainage pipe is a plastic pipe (black, white or grey in colour) connected to the bottom of your boiler.

If the following circumstances apply then it is probable that a frozen condensate drainage pipe is the cause:

  • Outside temperatures have been below freezing for some time.

  • The condensate drainage pipe runs through the wall and outside the property for part of its length, without any increased pipe diameter, any insulation on it, or other measures to prevent freezing. There may also be a problem if the pipe runs through an enclosed but unheated area, such as a garage or loft.

  • The boiler has previously been working satisfactorily.


Shutdown due to freezing and blockage of the condensate drainage pipe will usually be indicated by a 'fault code' on the boiler’s digital display, although this may not specifically indicate freezing as the fault. Indication may also be given by some other alarm such as a flashing light, or by a symptom such as “gurgling” noises coming from the boiler.

Please refer to the boiler manual for guidance on fault codes/alarms and their meaning - call us if you are unsure.

2. Locate the blockage.

It is likely that the pipe is frozen at the most exposed point external to the building or where there is some obstruction to flow. This could be at the open end of the pipe, at a bend or elbow, or where there is a dip in the pipe in which condensate can collect. The location of the blockage should be identified as closely as possible before taking further action.

3. Thaw the frozen pipe.

The pipe can be thawed by applying a hot water bottle, a microwaveable heating pack (the sort used for muscular aches and pains) or cloths soaked in warm water to the exterior of the pipe, close to the likely point of blockage. Warm water can also be poured onto the pipe from a watering can or similar container. Do not use boiling water.

You should not attempt to thaw a condensate drain pipe if you cannot easily reach it from ground level. Be aware that any water used can quickly freeze if it falls onto pathways - causing a possible slip hazard.

4. Reset/re-start the boiler.

Once the blockage has been thawed and cleared, all you need to do is press the 'reset' button or turn after which the fault code should disappear and the boiler will re-start.

In most cases, once the condensate drain pipe is cleared and a reset has been carried out, the boiler will re-ignite using an automatic operating sequence.

If this reset/restart does not succeed you should contact us to report a repair.

5. Temporary remedial actions

If the pipe is successfully thawed and the boiler can be re-started then the following temporary remedial actions may help prevent re-freezing if the severe weather continues.

  • If the external pipe is not insulated as recommended, you should try to rectify this by attaching suitable water-proof and weather-proof insulation over the outside of the pipe to prevent re-freezing. 'Class O' pipe insulation is suitable for external use and should be available from DIY outlets and plumbing/heating suppliers.

  • During the cold spell it may help to temporarily run the heating system with the boiler thermostat (as distinct from the room thermostat) set to maximum. Turn back to the normal setting used once the cold spell is over.

  • It may also help to temporarily set the central heating timer/programmer to 'continuous' (24hr) mode, setting the room thermostat overnight to around 15oC. Again, return to the normal settings once the cold spell is over.

6. FAQs

What is condensate and what does the condensate drain do?

High efficiency (condensing) boilers remove more heat from the combustion gases, resulting in additional water vapour which is collected within the boiler as condensate, and taken to a suitable drain via the condensate drainage pipe.

Why has my condensate drain only frozen recently?

Recently the UK has suffered from unusually cold weather, over prolonged periods. Existing recommendations for condensate pipe installation, such as pipe insulation, were based on prevailing UK weather conditions and may not be sufficient in the extreme conditions recently experienced across much of the UK.

Shouldn’t my condensate drainage pipe have been installed correctly in the first place?

British Standards, Building Regulations etc. currently allow condensate drainage pipes to be run internally, externally or a combination of these. These documents give recommendations on how to run the pipe and use insulation in order to reduce the possibility of freezing. This guidance was based on the UK winter conditions prevailing until very recently, however it may not have been sufficient to prevent freezing in extreme weather conditions.

A heating engineer cut the condensate pipe to get my boiler working and left the pipe discharging to a bucket as an 'emergency measure'. Is this acceptable?

It is recognised that in some instances (e.g. where an elderly person’s heating needs to be reinstated as an emergency measure) frozen condensate drainage pipes may have been cut in order to bypass the blockage. This has been done to allow re-ignition of the boiler, with condensate being collected in a suitable container as a temporary solution.

While not unsafe, this is not recommended practice and if such action has been taken then the condensate drainage pipe must be reinstated as soon as possible to reduce risk of freezing in future.